Historic Forestville
Step back in time at Historic Forestville, a preserved 19th-century town with a rich story and a unique bridge.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lush greenery, fewer crowds
Historic Forestville
Best Time
Lush greenery, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at Historic Forestville, a preserved 19th-century town with a rich story and a unique bridge.
"A great little tour for a fantastic price, with knowledgeable guides and a peaceful, historic atmosphere."
🎯 Arrive Early for Tours
To tour interiors & learn from guides, aim for earlier in the day. Late visits are scenic but buildings may be closed.
🍦 Gift Shop Delights
The gift shop offers ice cream, drinks, books, and more. Staff are friendly and helpful with questions.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Meighen General Store
Main Historic Area
Step back in time in this beautifully preserved 19th-century general store, a hub of the original town.
Forestville Bridge
South Branch of the Root River
Admire this rare surviving example of a pin-connected Pratt through truss bridge, a testament to historic engineering.
Historic Building Foundations
Throughout the site
Discover where homes and businesses once stood, marked by interpretive signs and stone foundations.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Embrace the Story
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Tours
To tour interiors & learn from guides, aim for earlier in the day. Late visits are scenic but buildings may be closed.
🍦 Gift Shop Delights
The gift shop offers ice cream, drinks, books, and more. Staff are friendly and helpful with questions.
🚶♀️ Walk the Grounds
Even if buildings are closed, the grounds offer a peaceful walk with thoughtful storytelling.
📸 Ask for Photo Help
Friendly staff are happy to assist with taking photos, especially during guided tours.
Need a spontaneous day trip
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Tours
To tour interiors & learn from guides, aim for earlier in the day. Late visits are scenic but buildings may be closed.
🍦 Gift Shop Delights
The gift shop offers ice cream, drinks, books, and more. Staff are friendly and helpful with questions.
🚶♀️ Walk the Grounds
Even if buildings are closed, the grounds offer a peaceful walk with thoughtful storytelling.
📸 Ask for Photo Help
Friendly staff are happy to assist with taking photos, especially during guided tours.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Historic Forestville for its engaging tours, reasonable prices, and the thoughtful preservation of its 19th-century history. The Meighen General Store and the Forestville Bridge are notable highlights. While some find the 'phantom house' markers less picturesque, the overall experience is described as peaceful, educational, and a worthwhile stop for history enthusiasts.
"Great little tour for a fantastic price. Tour guide was knowledgeable and greta at fielding questions.
There's a gift shop with ice cream, drinks, stickers, books and additional information."
Jordan Smith
"Historic Forestville: The Tiny Town with a Historic Story—and a Cool Bridge (Plus a Few Phantom Houses)
We stopped by Historic Forestville late one Saturday afternoon while road-tripping between Minnesota state parks. The quiet setting was a welcome break—but since we arrived after hours, the few historic buildings still standing were closed for the day. Even so, walking the grounds offered a surprising mix of reflection, curiosity, and a little chuckle or two.
Once a bustling town—by 1850s standards—Forestville was home to around 150 residents at its peak, with about 20 buildings, including two hotels, sawmills, a gristmill, a distillery, a school, and the now-famous Meighen general store. But after the railroad bypassed the area in 1868, Forestville's population and purpose quickly faded. By the early 1900s, it was all but gone. Today, only a few of those original buildings remain—some restored, others remembered only by name.
One highlight still very much present, though temporarily out of place, is the Forestville Bridge. Originally built in 1899, this steel truss bridge once carried travelers across the South Branch of the Root River. It’s a rare surviving example of a pin-connected Pratt through truss bridge, one of the last of its kind in Minnesota. While it’s currently removed from its river crossing for repairs and preservation, the bridge remains on-site—a reminder of how much care is being taken to preserve not just buildings, but infrastructure that once connected the town to the wider world.
As for the rest of the site—it’s well-maintained and thoughtfully interpreted by the Minnesota Historical Society. But what really stood out to us were the placards marking where buildings used to be. Some stand beside old stone foundations. Others are staked in carefully mowed grass, commemorating structures long gone. One read something like, “This was where someone lived- a name but without much info.” I couldn’t help but joke with the kids, “Look, everyone—Look at the house thats not there!”
Still, there’s meaning in that simplicity.
Though the descriptions are brief—mostly who lived where—it’s clear the intention is sincere. The goal is to preserve not just structures, but the spirit of a community. Not every piece of history comes with four walls and a chimney. Sometimes it’s just a name on a post where a front door used to be. And that’s enough—a quiet acknowledgment that someone once lived, laughed, and probably had strong opinions about their neighbors on that very spot.
In a way, it reminded us of our own family home lots from generations ago—nothing left standing, but full of memories. This place understands that feeling.
Tip: Arrive earlier in the day if you want to tour the interiors or learn from a guide. But even if you show up late, like we did, you’ll still find a peaceful walk, thoughtful storytelling, and even a bridge that’s worth admiring—whether it’s over water or not."
DLM-Distribution Campervans
"Lovely place to spend some time. There's a lot of interesting history here. The four star rating is because it isn't as picturesque with the bridge removed, and I feel they could bring in some old time playground equipment for kids to play on. But other than that, wonderful place and the staff were very nice and involved."
Alissa Munson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Historic Forestville is a day trip destination from Minneapolis, offering a scenic drive. While not a 'natural wonder,' it's a unique historical site worth the journey.
Public transport options to Historic Forestville are limited. It is best accessed by car, offering a convenient road trip experience from nearby cities.
Detailed driving directions can be found on the Minnesota Historical Society's website. The site is well-marked for visitors arriving by car.
Yes, ample parking is available for visitors at Historic Forestville, making it easy to access the site and its amenities.
Absolutely! Historic Forestville is a great stop for road trips between Minnesota state parks, offering a historical interlude.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours vary seasonally. It's recommended to check the official Minnesota Historical Society website for the most current hours, especially for interior building access.
Guided tours typically cost around $10, offering great value for the historical insights provided. Check the website for current pricing.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance, especially for guided tours, is advisable to secure your spot, particularly during peak seasons.
Information on potential discounts for seniors, children, or members of historical societies can usually be found on the official website.
If you arrive after hours, you can still walk the grounds and admire the exterior of the buildings and the Forestville Bridge. Interior tours will not be available.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore the preserved Meighen General Store, historic buildings, and the Forestville Bridge. Interpretive signs detail the town's past, including 'phantom houses.'
Yes, guided tours are offered and are highly recommended for a deeper understanding of the town's history and the lives of its former residents.
The Forestville Bridge is a rare surviving example of a pin-connected Pratt through truss bridge, important for its historical engineering and preservation efforts.
Interior access to historic buildings is typically part of guided tours. The grounds and exteriors are generally accessible for self-exploration.
Families can enjoy the grounds and the stories of the past. Some visitors suggest adding old-time playground equipment for more kid-friendly fun.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Historic Forestville has a gift shop that sells ice cream, drinks, and snacks. For full meals, plan to dine in nearby towns before or after your visit.
While not explicitly stated, picnicking on the grounds is generally permissible in historical sites. Check with staff upon arrival for designated areas.
The gift shop offers a selection of ice cream, drinks, and light snacks, perfect for a refreshing treat during your visit.
Nearby towns offer various dining options. It's advisable to research restaurants in the vicinity before your visit for a wider selection.
📸 📸 Photography
The Meighen General Store, the Forestville Bridge, and the foundations of former buildings offer unique photographic opportunities.
Photography policies inside historic buildings can vary. It's best to ask your tour guide or check signage for specific restrictions.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historical sites to preserve the atmosphere and protect structures. Check with the Minnesota Historical Society for their drone policy.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer light for photography. Consider the season for different scenic backdrops.
Staff are knowledgeable and may offer suggestions for the best angles and spots to capture the essence of Historic Forestville.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during the early summer when the grounds are lush and green, providing a pleasant environment for outdoor exploration. The gift shop offers treats like ice cream, which can be a nice reward after a historical tour. Remember to check the opening hours for interior access to buildings, as late afternoon visits might mean they are closed. The friendly staff are also happy to engage with younger visitors and answer their questions.
🚶♀️ History Buffs & Day-Trippers
As a day trip destination, Forestville offers a peaceful escape and a chance to immerse yourself in a bygone era. The preservation of the Forestville Bridge, even in its current state of repair, adds another layer of historical interest. Arriving early ensures you can fully explore the site and take advantage of all available tours and exhibits, making for a rich and rewarding historical experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Rise and Fall of Forestville
The Minnesota Historical Society has meticulously preserved and interpreted the remaining site. Visitors can explore the Meighen General Store and other restored buildings, gaining insight into the daily lives of the town's inhabitants. What makes Forestville particularly poignant are the interpretive placards marking the locations of buildings that no longer stand. These markers, sometimes accompanied by old stone foundations, serve as quiet reminders of the lives lived and the community that once thrived on this land. It's a unique approach to historical preservation, acknowledging that not all history is contained within four walls.
This approach resonates with visitors who appreciate the subtle storytelling. The site offers a blend of reflection and curiosity, allowing individuals to imagine the bustling town it once was. Even if you arrive after hours, a walk through the grounds provides a peaceful and thought-provoking experience, highlighting the enduring spirit of a place and its people.
The Forestville Bridge: A Symbol of Preservation
Currently, the bridge is undergoing repairs and preservation efforts, which means it has been temporarily removed from its original river crossing. However, it remains on-site, a visible testament to the ongoing commitment to safeguarding historical artifacts. This careful attention to detail ensures that future generations can appreciate its architectural and historical value. The bridge's story is intertwined with Forestville's own narrative of decline and preservation, symbolizing resilience and the effort to maintain historical integrity.
While the bridge may not be spanning the river at the moment, its presence on the grounds is still impactful. It serves as a focal point for understanding the town's connection to its environment and the broader transportation networks of the past. Visitors can still admire its structure and learn about its significance, even in its temporary state.
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